Ohio State football had two freshman stand out specifically back in the spring. Now, another Buckeyes newcomer has some buzz growing around his name in the month of June.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are once again making recruiting a top priority during the month of June. At the same time, the current roster is busy with summer workouts as the program prepares for what projects to be a challenging 2026 schedule.
The Buckeyes got an early evaluation period during spring practices, especially with several transfers and freshmen joining the team. Among the newcomers, wide receivers Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. generated the most buzz.
Now that summer activities are underway, another freshman is beginning to turn heads within the Ohio State football program.
Another Ohio State wide receiver is standing out in Columbus
Before departing for South Carolina, Brian Hartline helped bring one final talented group of wide receivers to Columbus. Now, the second-highest-rated member of that trio is beginning to attract attention.
According to Austin Ward of Lettermen Row, freshman receiver Jerquaden Guilford has emerged as one of Ohio State’s standout performers this June.
“Multiple sources named Guilford among the top standouts in the OTA-style drills the Buckeyes have had in June, and he appeared to be carrying himself with no shortage of confidence on the outdoor fields in the afternoon,” Ward wrote. “Guilford, Boyd, and Henry have also all been fixtures together during the camp competitions, offering tips to the high-school wideouts, trash-talking defensive backs and just spending time developing a bond with the veteran targets.”
“If there was a notion that Ohio State might only have two-thirds of that trio capable of reaching game-ready status this season, the tenor of that conversation has changed in a hurry.”
Guilford had a slower start during spring practices, particularly when compared to the other two freshman receivers. He missed a few important opportunities during the spring game, but it appears the 6-foot-3, 185-pound pass catcher has become much more comfortable as time has passed. Additional work in Mick Marotti’s strength and conditioning program has likely played a significant role in his development.
Opportunities on offense may be limited during Guilford’s first season, making special teams an important avenue for immediate contributions. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former four-star recruit and Indiana’s top-ranked prospect carve out a role if he continues to earn it. Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuinn, and Kyle Parker are expected to lead the receiver group this fall, but the depth chart behind them remains wide open.
Even with Hartline no longer on staff, the rapid progress of these young receivers is an encouraging sign before they’ve even played a meaningful snap for Ohio State. It’s a reflection of the work new receivers coach Cortez Hankton is doing and the talent level of this incoming trio of pass catchers.
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